Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Non-technological Aspects of Map Production
The list of non-technological aspects of map production is based on the basic
procedures for creating cartographic work. Among the non-technological aspects of
map-making are arranged (in the alphabetical order): aesthetic aspect, conceptual
aspect, economic aspect, ethical aspect, geoinformatic aspect, historical aspect, legal
aspect, methodological aspect, organizational aspect, political aspect, psychological
aspect, sociological aspect, user aspect and visual aspect (Vondr´kov´
2013
).
The list of non-technological aspects of map production has been debated for
quite a long time to be completed in the view of the majority expert opinion of
experts. Aspects of map production can be understood in different ways, as well as
the methods of cartographic representation are presented differently by different
authors. It is obvious that the defined non-technological aspects of map production
can be presented in the larger units. All aspects are classified into three basic groups
of non-technological aspects of map production: social, professional and user
aspects. Individual groups are not disjoint and some aspects are also included in
multiple groups. The designated groups are: social aspects (political, ethical,
legislative, economic, organizational), technical aspects (geoinformatic, ethical,
historical, legal, conceptual, methodological, visualization, organization) and user
aspects (sociological, historical, conceptual, psychological, aesthetic organ-
izational and user).
Social aspects represent an important part of the process of map production,
because without their presence there would not be possible to initiate the imple-
mentation of map production. Professional aspects include everything that is
dealing directly with the cartographic production. User aspects are undoubtedly
the most discussed area that is focused by many publications. They also include
knowledge from other disciplines—sociology, psychology, art and more.
Definition and Properties of Individual Non-technological
Aspects
Aesthetic aspect of cartographic products affects the overall look and user-friendli-
ness of the cartographic work. It includes art design of cartographic works, overall
design, methods of cartographic visualization, etc. In terms of user perception this
aspect can affect the emotions of the user and his future preferences.
Analysis of the aesthetic aspect has led to the following information: aesthetic
perception is a subjective assessment of a user and cannot be generalized as to
generally applicable patterns; results of aesthetic evaluation is possible to objectify
on the basis of statistical analyzes using evaluation methods of cognitive carto-
graphy (preferably a combination of research methods); assessment of user emo-
tions can be realized by using eye-tracking technology in combination with medical
devices, however,
these studies are not yet very widespread in cartography;
